Yogurt
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Yogurt

ingredientAnimal Products

Total Sources: 48

Verified Claims: 33

Scientific Sources: 20

Summary

Yogurt is a dairy product made by fermenting milk with specific bacteria, resulting in a thick, creamy food with a slightly tart taste [1], [31]. It is a versatile ingredient consumed as a snack, breakfast item, or used in cooking and baking [28].

What it is

Yogurt is produced through the bacterial fermentation of milk, typically from cows but also from other animals like goats, sheep, or buffalo [28], [31]. The process involves pasteurizing and homogenizing milk, then adding specific bacteria, such as _Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus_ and _Streptococcus thermophiles_, to convert lactose into lactic acid, which thickens the product and gives it its characteristic tang [28].

Common uses

  • Breakfast

  • Snacks

  • Cooking

  • Smoothies

  • Dips

  • Sauces

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Low. Yogurt is widely accepted as a safe and beneficial food. Concerns primarily revolve around added sugars, fat content, and potential allergic reactions [2], [21], [24], [43].

Cultural claims

  • Some believe yogurt has beauty benefits [29]

  • In Turkey, yogurt has been considered a health food for centuries [29]

  • Genghis Khan believed yogurt gave his warriors bravery [28]

Source sentiment

Generally positive; yogurt is often associated with health benefits and is considered a versatile and nutritious food [26], [28], [29].

History

Timeline

-5000

First known appearance of yogurt in Mesopotamia during the Neolithic period [28], [29].

1100

Yogurt is used by nomadic Turks [28].

1600

Turks introduce yogurt to Europeans when French Emperor Francois I is treated with it for diarrhea [30].

1900

Scientist Elie Metchnikoff links yogurt consumption to longevity [29], [30].

1919

Isaac Carasso, the founder of Danone, begins the first large-scale production of yogurt in Barcelona [29].

2021

FDA amends the standard of identity for yogurt and revokes the standards for lowfat and nonfat yogurt [17], [19].

Origin

Preservation of milk [29], [31]

First appeared: -5000

Science

Key findings

  • Yogurt consumption is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality [5].

  • Probiotic yogurt consumption may reduce total cholesterol concentrations and plasma glucose [7].

  • Higher yogurt consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer [8].

  • Yogurt consumption has a positive effect on weight gain in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis [14].

  • Daily probiotic yogurt consumption may decrease serum CRP levels, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect, particularly in overweight individuals [15].

Studies

Yogurt consumption and risk of mortality from all causes...

High yogurt intake is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and CVD [5].

A systematic review of the effect of yogurt consumption on chronic diseases risk markers in adults

Consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus significantly reduced total cholesterol concentrations, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C, and plasma glucose [7].

Higher Yogurt Consumption Is Associated With Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer...

Higher yogurt consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer [8].

Effect of daily probiotic yogurt consumption on inflammation...

Daily probiotic yogurt consumption decreases serum CRP levels, but has no effect on IL-6 and TNF-α [15].

Safety status

Generally recognized as safe. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions due to allergies or intolerances [2], [42].

Nuance

Some studies suggest potential adverse effects, such as increased risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children whose mothers consumed low-fat yogurt during pregnancy [16]. However, the overall evidence supports the health benefits of yogurt consumption.

Alternatives

Kefir

Contains a greater variety of probiotics than yogurt [20], [37].

Kimchi

Fermented vegetable dish with probiotics [37], [39].

Kombucha

Fermented tea with probiotics [37], [39].

Sauerkraut

Fermented cabbage with probiotics [37], [39].

Miso

Fermented soybean paste with probiotics [37], [39].

Avoidance tips

  • Read labels to avoid high sugar content [43].

  • Opt for plain yogurt and add your own fruit [44].

  • Be aware of potential allergens, such as milk protein [2], [42].

References

1.

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7128